Creating A Stable Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process, but it's not rocket science. The main invitation card should be placed at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. If you're using a reception card, place it on top of the wedding invite, followed by any other enclosure cards such as direction or detail cards, and map or hotel accommodation cards. The response card and envelope should be placed on top, with the envelope flap on the left and the card tucked underneath, facing up. To finish, secure the stack with a belly band or ribbon, or place it directly into the envelope.

Invitation card at the bottom, print side up

To assemble your wedding invitation suite, it is recommended to work your way from the bottom of the suite to the top. This means that the invitation card should be placed at the bottom, with the printed side facing up.

• Place the invitation card at the bottom, with the printed side facing up.
• On top of the invitation card, place the large enclosure, also with the printed side facing up.
• Next, add the response envelope, printed side up, with the flap on the right side.
• Place the response card on top of the response envelope, printed side up.
• Finally, add the small enclosure on top, printed side up.

Once you have assembled all the pieces, you can use a belly band to hold them together. Here is a quick guide on how to apply a belly band:

• Lay the belly band over your neatly stacked suite, centring any personalisation.
• Apply pressure with your thumbs to the top of the band and enclosures to secure everything in place.
• Wrap your index fingers around the back of the invite and pick up the entire suite. It should hold together without anything moving.
• Flip the suite towards you so that all the information is facing down. Carefully pull one end of the band over the back and crease it. Repeat with the other end.
• Pull both ends of the belly band tight, without bending the sides of your stationery.
• Adhere the band together with the included glue dots.

Now you have finished assembling your first invitation suite! Repeat these steps for each invitation.

Add vellum liners

Vellum is a beautiful, translucent paper that can add a touch of luxury to your wedding invitations. Here are some tips on how to add vellum liners to your wedding invitations:

Choose the Right Vellum Paper:

Select a high-quality vellum paper that is strong yet delicate. Consider the thickness of the paper; if you want to see through it, choose a lower GSM (grams per square meter) such as 100 GSM. For a more opaque look, go for a higher GSM like 230 GSM. You can also find pre-cut vellum sheets specifically designed for wedding invitations.

Prepare Your Materials:

Before you start, gather all the necessary materials, including your invitations, vellum paper, scissors or a paper cutter, and adhesive. Ensure your invitations are assembled and ready to be placed into the envelopes.

Cut the Vellum to Size:

Carefully cut the vellum paper to fit inside your envelopes. You can use a paper cutter or scissors for this step, but make sure the edges are straight and smooth. If your envelopes have unique shapes, you may need to trace the outline and cut the vellum accordingly.

Apply Adhesive:

When attaching the vellum liners to your envelopes, use an adhesive that dries clear and is as invisible as possible. Some recommended options are ATG tape, a glue stick, or Zip Dry. Avoid using tapes that may show through the vellum, and be cautious with glue dots, as they can still be visible.

Attach the Vellum Liners:

Apply the adhesive sparingly to the edges of the vellum, ensuring it is secure but not overly glued down. Place the vellum liner inside the envelope, smoothing out any air bubbles or creases. Allow the adhesive to dry completely before inserting your invitations.

Insert Your Invitations:

Once the vellum liners are in place and dry, carefully insert your assembled invitations into the envelopes. Make sure the text on the invitation is facing the envelope flap so that your guests can see it immediately upon opening.

Embellish and Seal:

You can further embellish your invitations with wax seals, ribbons, or belly bands. If using a wax seal, be sure to allow enough time for the wax to dry completely before mailing your invitations. Finally, seal your envelopes and send them off to your guests!

Stack the reception card

Stacking the reception card is an important step in assembling your wedding invitation suite. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your reception card is stacked correctly and stays in place:

Step 1: Start with the Main Invitation Card

The first step is to place the main invitation card face-up on your work surface. This is usually the largest card in the suite, so it forms the foundation for the rest of your assembly.

Step 2: Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional)

If you have chosen to include a sheet of tissue paper or vellum on top of your invitation to protect the ink from smudging, place it on top of the main invitation card. This step is optional, as most modern inks won't smudge.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card

Now, it's time to add the reception card. Place it face-up on top of the invitation card (or the tissue paper/vellum, if you've included it). The reception card provides important details such as the time and location of the wedding reception and the requested dress code.

Step 4: Stack Other Enclosure Cards

If you have any additional enclosure cards, such as a map, hotel accommodations, or travel information, place them face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards of different sizes, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 5: Add RSVP Card and Envelope

Place the RSVP card under the flap of its envelope, ensuring the card is face-up and visible when the flap is opened. The envelope should be placed face-down on top of the enclosure cards. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the RSVP envelope to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Stacking Tips:

• If your invitation is a folded-style invitation, place all enclosures within the folds instead of stacking them on top.
• If you're using an inner envelope and an outer envelope, insert the fully stacked invitation suite into the inner envelope first, then into the outer envelope.
• You can also use a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap to hold your stacked invitation suite together.

Stack other enclosure cards

Stacking your enclosure cards is a crucial step in assembling your wedding invitations. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you with this process:

Types of Enclosure Cards:

Before we delve into the stacking process, let's understand the different types of enclosure cards you might have as part of your wedding invitation suite:

• Direction or Map Card: This card provides clear instructions and directions to the wedding venues, including landmarks, parking information, and alternative transportation options.
• Accommodations Card: This card offers guests multiple lodging options, including hotels and inns, along with their contact information and any special arrangements made for the guests.
• Reception Card: This card includes details about the wedding reception, such as the venue, time, and any specific instructions or reminders.
• Details Card: This card covers various wedding specifics, such as dress code, transportation, and itinerary. It provides a concise overview of the key details for your guests.
• At-Home Card, Pew Card, or other Enclosure Cards: Depending on your wedding plans, you might have additional cards with specific information for your guests.

Stacking the Enclosure Cards:

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter—stacking these enclosure cards to ensure they don't move around:

• Start with the Main Invitation Card: Place the invitation card at the bottom, print side up. This is typically the largest card in the suite.
• Add the Reception Card: If you have a separate reception card, place it face up on top of the main invitation card.
• Stack the Enclosure Cards: Place the remaining enclosure cards, such as direction/map card, accommodations card, and details card, face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest card and work your way to the smallest.
• Consider the Card Sizes: If your enclosure cards are different sizes, always start with the largest card at the bottom and work your way up to the smallest card. This ensures a neat and stable stack.
• Maintain a Consistent Orientation: Ensure that all cards, including the enclosure cards, are placed face up. This ensures that your guests can easily read the information without having to flip the cards.
• Provide a Unified Look: Match the style and aesthetic of the enclosure cards with the rest of your wedding invitation suite. This creates a cohesive and elegant look for your entire invitation suite.
• Avoid Overcrowding: While it's important to provide necessary information, don't try to cram everything onto a single enclosure card. Use multiple cards if needed, or consider directing your guests to your wedding website for additional details.
• Assembly Line Technique: To streamline the process, set up an assembly line. Gather all the necessary pieces, including the enclosure cards, and create organized piles. This will make it easier to stack the cards efficiently.
• Secure with a Belly Band or Ribbon: If you're using a belly band or ribbon to hold the invitation suite together, place it over the stacked enclosure cards. This adds a finishing touch and ensures that the cards stay in place.

Remember, the key to stacking enclosure cards is to create a neat and stable pile, ensuring that your guests receive all the necessary information without any confusion. Happy assembling!

Add a RSVP card and envelope

The response card is an essential part of your wedding invitation suite. It is meant to be sent back to the couple by the invited guests, indicating their acceptance or regrets. It typically includes a reply-by date, space for the guests to write their names, and an accept/regret line.

• Create the RSVP card: The RSVP card should include a blank line for guests to write their names, with an "M" at the start of the line to indicate their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss). It should also have an attendance line where guests can accept or decline the invitation. This can be in the format of checkboxes, circles, or fill-in-the-blank lines. You may also include a dietary restrictions section and a special request line, such as for song requests.
• Include an RSVP envelope: Provide a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each RSVP card. The envelopes should have the name(s) and address of the person handling the RSVPs on the front, which could be you, your fiancé, your parents, wedding planner, or someone in the wedding party. It is customary to include a stamp on each envelope for ease of response.
• Place them in the right order: The wedding invitation etiquette dictates the order of the different pieces in the suite. The RSVP card and envelope should be placed towards the top of the stack, under the flap of the inner envelope, if you have one. If you don't have an inner envelope, place them towards the top of the stack in the outer envelope, with the text facing up.
• Calculate postage: Wedding invitation suites are heavier due to multiple enclosure cards, so a standard stamp may not be sufficient. Take a fully stuffed envelope to the post office to get the correct weight and amount of postage needed for each invitation.
• Set an RSVP deadline: It is recommended to set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before the wedding date to give you and your vendors enough time to finalize the details. This deadline should be prominently featured on the RSVP card.
• Assembly: Once you have all the pieces, it's time to assemble your invitations. Start by placing the invitation card face up, followed by any other larger cards. Then, place the RSVP card under the flap of the RSVP envelope, with the printed side up, and add any other enclosure cards. Finally, put this assembled suite under the flap of the inner envelope or directly into the outer envelope, depending on your chosen style.

By following these steps, you will have a beautifully assembled wedding invitation with an RSVP card and envelope, ready to be sent out to your guests.

Frequently asked questions